Years from now, when someone mentions Manning Bowl II, I won’t think nearly as much about Peyton and Eli Manning as I will a Colts team reminding everyone not to jump to conclusions after one loss.
That’s what many did. OK, even I thought this game would be closer.
I appreciate the honesty of a player when assessing such a turnaround. CB Jerraud Powers provided it.
“If I were a fan, I’d be worried, too,” Powers admitted, when asked if he had heard how much so many fretted about after the Colts’ 34-24 loss at Houston in Week 1.
We were in two tight-end (formation) most of the night and they were in five- and six-DBs,” Manning explained of the Colts’ offensive sets with tight ends Dallas Clark and Brody Eldridge and the Giants’ defensive scheme of five and six defensive backs. “You’d like to think our tight ends could block their DBs.”
Bethea was credited with six tackles. It seemed to be more.
“That’s the type of player he is,” Powers said. “He’s starting to become one of those elite guys that people really need to put their eye on and put him in that category as one of the top safeties in the league.
“He brings it every night.”
This wasn’t just an important game because it marked Jim Caldwell’s first real bounce-back game, or because the Texans pulled out a miracle victory in Washington and moved to 2-0. This was an important game because it showed the league, and the Colts themselves, that when they are invited to run against teams employing five and six defensive backs, they can run with alacrity.
Mathis and Freeney ruled the day
Occasionally, Peyton Manning will saunter up to his pass-rushing teammates and urge them to turn up the heat.
“He didn’t say anything,” said Freeney, who has three sacks in two games. “I’ll have to give him a little bit (today).
“He normally gives me a little tap, ‘Go get after the quarterback.’ ”
Mathis insisted “it’s good to get a quarterback, period.
“No matter what name is on the (jersey), you just want to do your job, and that’s to get sacks.”
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